The Somerset & Dorset in Colour
It has been suggested on occasions that the Somerset & Dorset has achieved recognition out of all proportion to its former importance. Certainly, there is no other of the 'lesser railways' whose trials and tribulations have generated such interest, enthusiasm and passion as the S & D.
Indeed, if the wealth of material published since closure of the line in 1966 is any indicator, then the S & D must rank as the most popular of Britain's former cross-country railways! Such interest is, of course, in no small measure the result of the pictorial albums by several well-known railway photographers such as Ivo Peters, together with the published memoirs of ex-S & D enginemen like Peter Smith.
This special edition from the Norman Lockett Collection is, however, the first large-format, casebound book to feature the line in all-colour. The pictures have been chosen by David Lockett from his late father's extensive collection and captioned by Mike Arlett. Mike's love of the line is well known - his first-hand experience dating back to numerous visits (particularly to Midford signal box) from the early 1950s, and enhanced through his years of friendship with the late Ivo Peters.
Mike Arlett is perhaps best known for his part in the two very popular BBC television documentaries featuring the Somerset & Dorset: Return to Evercreech Junction and the award-winning sequel, All Change at Evercreech Junction. Both have been shown several times on national television and are now available on BBC videos.
The publication of this book coincides with the 25th anniversary year of the closure of the line. More than 160 colour photographs are included which take the reader on a pictorial journey from Bath to Bournemouth and then along the Branch from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge. The result is a profusely illustrated reminder of this ever-popular and sadly missed cross-country railway, and a tribute to the colour photography of the late Norman Lockett.
Hardback with dust jacket, 136 pages. Full colour photos of the S&D in its later years.
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780860935018
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Updated: 29 December 2022